Lionel Messi of Argentina has identified Brazil, France, and England as his three main rivals in the race to add a FIFA World Cup champions medal to his burgeoning prize collection.
In Qatar, the 35-year-old forward for Paris St. Germain will once more carry Argentina's aspirations as they seek to win the South American nation's third global championship and first since 1986.
“Whenever we talk about candidates, we always talk about the same teams,” Messi said. “If I have to put some above others, I think Brazil, France and England are a little bit above the rest. But the World Cup is so difficult and complicated that anything can happen.”
Messi reached the final with Argentina in 2014 but suffered an extra-time defeat to Germany.
Copa American champions Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games, and if this is to be Messi’s final World Cup, they are in the form to deliver the title.
“We are very excited. We have a very eager and very nice group, but we think about going little by little,” he said.
“We hope to start the World Cup in the best way to face everything that comes after. The more you play, and the more time you spend on the pitch, the more you get to know each other,” Messi added.
Argentina’s opening Group C match is against Saudi Arabia before they face Mexico and Poland.
(Reuters/NAN)